by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic courtesy of TNB

THE various higher education funding initiatives implemented by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) via the Tenaga Nasional Foundation (YTN) have benefitted over 20,000 students to date. 

Since its establishment in 1993, students were awarded education funding amounting to RM1.7 billion comprising scholarships and bursaries such as TNB Prime Scholarship, TNB Shine Sponsorship, My Brighter Future Scholarship and TNB Special Scholarship. 

TNB chairman Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin stressed that the utility company is always committed to supporting the government’s efforts to assist people through various initiatives, especially fostering young people’s potential and raising standards of living through access to quality education. 

“This education sponsorship is a golden opportunity for the recipient to pursue disciplines in institutions of higher learning, developing personal potential, not only to benefit themselves but their family members,” he said at a recent sponsorship award presentation ceremony for University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) students at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Campus in Bandar Muadzam Shah, Pahang. 

According to him, this year alone, TNB has provided education funding to 470 students, comprises of 60 TNB Prime Scholarship recipients, TNB Shine Sponsorship (30) and TNB Special Scholarship (10), while the rest of the recipients were from the bottom 40% income group (B40). 

He mentioned that YTN also sponsors over 6,200 students at various higher educational institutions with a sponsorship amount of RM100 million that consists of registration fees, tuition fees, monthly living allowance and computer allowance. 

Hassan said this is TNB’s testament to making a meaningful contribution to community development and the best educational opportunities for the people, especially the B40, in line with TNB’s Energy Transition initiative based on the environmental, social and governance agenda. 

“Additionally, this year, TNB, through YTN, is also offering scholarships to Orang Asli children to pursue a diploma in the field of accounting and business studies at Muadzam Shah UNITEN. 

“I believe these children will be able to achieve great success in the future if they are provided with financial assistance and proper guidance by the teaching staff,” he said. 

Under the TNB Special Scholarship for Orang Asli children, YTN is collaborating with UNITEN and the Orang Asli Development Department in identifying students with good academic results to be awarded the scholarship. 

Apart from monetary financing, YTN also provides development programmes for sponsored students to enhance their potential in soft and leadership skills.